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Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter to Browns, Patriots in ESPN's 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Paul Kasabian

Colorado teammates Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter went first and second overall to the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, respectively, in the latest NFL mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid.

Both picks make sense. Although the Browns are stuck with quarterback Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed $230 million contract through 2026, it's clear a change at signal-caller is needed.

Watson currently ranks 28th out of 31 qualified signal-callers in quarterback rating and dead-last in QBR, per Pro Football Reference.

Hunter, a two-way star at cornerback and wide receiver, would be a great fit for a Patriots team that could very well take the best non-quarterback available with the team building around rookie Drake Maye under center.

Both players have gotten high marks from the the B/R NFL Scouting Department.

From B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson on Sanders:

"Overall, Sanders' natural and pure passing abilities are the strength of his game. He is capable of winning from clean pockets and out of structure. Sanders will pick defenses apart with his quick release and accuracy, especially if he's kept clean. He is a high-floor prospect with a good enough ceiling to buy into. With his experience and the challenges he has faced, he is worth betting on."

Right now, Sanders is ranked 11th overall and second among quarterbacks (behind Miami's Cam Ward) on the 2025 draft big board. He's been given a first-round grade.

Hunter is ranked No. 1 overall among all prospects, and he's clearly in the driver's seat to be considered the top non-quarterback choice this year. Per B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings:

"Travis Hunter projects as a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft with the potential to become an elite cornerback at the next level. His combination of length, athleticism, and football intelligence makes him a valuable asset in both man and zone coverage schemes. While he will need to refine his technique and develop more consistent footwork to handle NFL-level slot receivers, his rare physical gifts and ball skills give him a high ceiling as a defensive playmaker. Hunter's willingness to tackle and high motor add to his appeal, making him a well-rounded prospect with the potential to be a cornerstone of an NFL secondary. With proper development, Hunter has the tools to become a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the top cornerbacks in the league."

Thus far, Sanders and Hunter have helped lead Colorado to a 4-2 record.

Sanders has completed 72.6 percent of his passes for 2,018 yards (8.5 yards per attempt) and 17 touchdowns (four interceptions).

On offense, Hunter has caught 49 passes for 587 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, Hunter has 16 tackles, a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble.

   

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